What is Aurovela?
Aurovela is a brand name for a line of combination oral contraceptives (COCs) that are used to prevent pregnancy. As a COC, it contains two types of synthetic female hormones: a progestin (norethindrone acetate) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy primarily by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
The specific amount of each hormone varies depending on the Aurovela formulation. The first step to understanding the estrogen content is to identify the specific product being used. The two most common forms are Aurovela 24 Fe and Aurovela 1.5/30, each with a distinct estrogen dosage and pill regimen.
The estrogen content in Aurovela formulations
The amount of estrogen in Aurovela is determined by its specific formulation, which is usually designated by a ratio or name on the packaging.
Aurovela 24 Fe (1/20)
The Aurovela 24 Fe and Aurovela Fe 1/20 products contain a specific dose of estrogen.
- Estrogen content: Each active, light-yellow tablet contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
- Regimen: The pill pack consists of 24 active hormone pills followed by four inactive brown tablets containing ferrous fumarate (iron).
- Classification: Formulations with this level of estrogen are often considered low-dose birth control pills.
Aurovela 1.5/30
The Aurovela 1.5/30 version contains a different dose of estrogen.
- Estrogen content: Each active, white tablet contains 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
- Regimen: This formulation typically uses a 21-day cycle, with 21 active pills followed by seven days of no tablets.
- Classification: This level of estrogen places this version in a moderate-dose category.
How estrogen content can affect users
For many users, the difference between a formulation with 20 mcg and one with 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol can be significant. The appropriate dosage is a balance between preventing pregnancy effectively and minimizing side effects.
Potential considerations with lower-estrogen formulations (20 mcg):
- Side effect profile: Low-dose pills may be associated with less nausea, breast tenderness, and bloating for some users.
- Bleeding patterns: Some users may experience more frequent spotting or bleeding between periods with low-dose pills.
Potential considerations with moderate-estrogen formulations (30 mcg):
- Cycle control: A higher dose of estrogen can sometimes help stabilize the uterine lining, potentially leading to more predictable withdrawal bleeding and less breakthrough bleeding.
- Menstrual symptoms: For some, the consistent hormone levels may help manage certain menstrual symptoms.
Monophasic vs. Multiphasic
Another important characteristic to consider is whether a pill is monophasic or multiphasic. Both Aurovela 24 Fe and Aurovela 1.5/30 are monophasic formulations. This means that every active pill in the pack contains the same amount of estrogen and progestin. Multiphasic pills, in contrast, vary the hormone levels in different phases of the cycle.
| Feature | Aurovela 24 Fe (1/20) | Aurovela 1.5/30 |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen Content | 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol | 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol |
| Progestin Content | 1 mg norethindrone acetate | 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate |
| Pill Regimen | 24 active pills, 4 inactive (iron) pills | 21 active pills, 7 hormone-free days |
| Classification | Often considered Low-dose | Often considered Moderate-dose |
| Potential Side Effect Considerations | Potentially fewer estrogen-related side effects, may have more breakthrough bleeding | May have better cycle control, potentially more estrogen-related side effects |
Important considerations and safety
Regardless of the specific formulation, all combination oral contraceptives carry certain risks and require medical supervision. It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with a healthcare provider before starting or switching contraception.
Factors to discuss with a doctor:
- Personal and family medical history: Conditions like a history of blood clots, heart disease, or certain cancers are contraindications for COCs.
- Smoking: Women over 35 who smoke should not use combined oral contraceptives.
- Current medications: Some medications can interact with COCs and reduce their effectiveness.
- Side effect sensitivity: If you have experienced significant side effects with other hormonal birth control, your doctor may recommend a different option.
For more detailed prescribing information and safety warnings, consult an authoritative resource like the DailyMed database from the National Library of Medicine.
Conclusion: Understanding the differences
In summary, the amount of estrogen in Aurovela is dependent on the specific product. Aurovela 24 Fe (1/20) contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, while Aurovela 1.5/30 contains 30 mcg per active tablet. These differences in dosage and regimen can affect potential side effects, with lower-dose pills potentially causing fewer estrogen-related issues but possibly more breakthrough bleeding. Choosing the correct formulation should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional who can weigh the benefits and risks based on an individual's health profile and sensitivity to hormones.
